17. “Professor Pieixoto scarcely needs any introduction, as he is well known…and the well-known study ‘Iran and Gilead: Two Late-Twentieth-Century Monotheocracies, as Seen Through Diaries.’”(Page 300)
The “Historical Notes” begin with a notation of the studies Professor Pieixoto has been involved with. One of these studies is a comparison between the Iranian government of the late 20th century to Atwood’s Republic of Gilead. In the late 20th century, the government of Iran was very conservative. Women were under heavy restrictions (i.e. not a lot of freedom with their clothes or what they did). Furthermore, the Iranian government denied that the Holocaust happened and attempted to hide historic events from the Iranian people. In Atwood’s novel, the government tries to hide the past before the Republic of Gilead was created.
“Iran in the 20th Century.” Emayzine 2001. Web. 25 Apr. 2010. http://www.emayzine.com/lectures/Iran20Century.html.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Handmaid's Tale (pg. 307)
16. “Our big mistake was teaching them how to read. We won’t do that again.” (Page 307):
This passage is taken from the historical notes, which serves as an afterward. Atwood once again addresses the idea that reading serves as a control in a dystopian state. Reading gives you access to power and knowledge. When you limit knowledge, you will have control. According to Socyberty, totalitarian governments often come to power through tactics such as "propaganda, indoctrination, and censorship." Atwood embraces this control throughout the novel. The control over reading and knowledge is an example of the censorship seen in a totalitarian government.
"The Rise of Totalitarian Governments | Socyberty." Socyberty | Society on the Web. Web. 03 June 2010. http://socyberty.com/history/the-rise-of-totalitarian-governments/.
This passage is taken from the historical notes, which serves as an afterward. Atwood once again addresses the idea that reading serves as a control in a dystopian state. Reading gives you access to power and knowledge. When you limit knowledge, you will have control. According to Socyberty, totalitarian governments often come to power through tactics such as "propaganda, indoctrination, and censorship." Atwood embraces this control throughout the novel. The control over reading and knowledge is an example of the censorship seen in a totalitarian government.
"The Rise of Totalitarian Governments | Socyberty." Socyberty | Society on the Web. Web. 03 June 2010. http://socyberty.com/history/the-rise-of-totalitarian-governments/.
Handmaid's Tale (pg. 275)
15. “This she takes an undue length of time to unfold and scan. She’s rubbing our noses in it, letting us know exactly who she is, making us watch her as she silently read, flaunting her prerogative.” (Page 275):
In this excerpt, Atwood address two of her main themes: how a totalitarian state works and control through the power of reading. Offred is at a gathering where women will be punished for crimes they have committed. Atwood describes the frustration and anger that Offred feels for Aunt Lydia. Aunt Lydia is allowed to read and write because she has special privileges. The totalitarian government maintained control not only through surveillance, information control and torture but also by keeping the people in charge happy and giving them the illusion of power. Furthermore, in dystopian areas language plays a big part of control. If people can not read, they will not be educated. If people are not informed, they will not know what is going on. If people cannot read, they will not get any ideas. They will be more easily controlled.
In this excerpt, Atwood address two of her main themes: how a totalitarian state works and control through the power of reading. Offred is at a gathering where women will be punished for crimes they have committed. Atwood describes the frustration and anger that Offred feels for Aunt Lydia. Aunt Lydia is allowed to read and write because she has special privileges. The totalitarian government maintained control not only through surveillance, information control and torture but also by keeping the people in charge happy and giving them the illusion of power. Furthermore, in dystopian areas language plays a big part of control. If people can not read, they will not be educated. If people are not informed, they will not know what is going on. If people cannot read, they will not get any ideas. They will be more easily controlled.
Handmaid's Tale (pg. 269)
14. “It makes me feel more in control, as if there is a choice, a decision that could be made one way or the other.” (Page 269):
Atwood wrote Handmaid’s Tale in the 1980’s during the anti-feminist backlash in which feminists were criticized for breaking the female tradition of a housewife. Atwood’s main themes include sexual power struggle and struggle for control. Women struggle for a sense of power. Atwood’s novel is set in a female dystopia. Females have very limited rights depending on their social status. Women struggle for anything that makes them feel as if they have control over their lives.
“Powell’s Books-Review-a-Day-The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, Reviewed by Powells.com” Powell’s Books – Used, New and Out of Print – We Buy and Sell. Web. 25 April 2010. http://www.powells.com/review/2005_08_13.html.
Atwood wrote Handmaid’s Tale in the 1980’s during the anti-feminist backlash in which feminists were criticized for breaking the female tradition of a housewife. Atwood’s main themes include sexual power struggle and struggle for control. Women struggle for a sense of power. Atwood’s novel is set in a female dystopia. Females have very limited rights depending on their social status. Women struggle for anything that makes them feel as if they have control over their lives.
“Powell’s Books-Review-a-Day-The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, Reviewed by Powells.com” Powell’s Books – Used, New and Out of Print – We Buy and Sell. Web. 25 April 2010. http://www.powells.com/review/2005_08_13.html.
Handmaid's Tale (pg. 221)
13. “And Adam was not deceived, but the women being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved by childbearing.” (Page 221):
Atwood makes many religious references through her novel. This quote is part of what rulers of Gilead use to support the Republic of Gilead and its rituals. Women are not allowed to read. This is sort of a blind faith to the listeners since they do not get to see it or read anything other than what is read to them. In the past, the bible was only printed in Latin; old Catholic preists took advantage of bible because people did not know what the text really said- only what was told to them. The Republic of Gilead does this once again; only the Commander is allowed to read passages of the bible to listeners before rituals; only Aunt Lydia is allowed to read commandments before executions. Furthermore, this restriction mirrors the media that is broadcasted to viewers in the Republic of Gilead. Viewers only get to see what the leaders want them to see. This ties back to Atwood’s theme of control throughout the novel.
“Tudors – Protestant or Catholic.” History on the Net Main Page. Web. 25 April 2010. http://www.historyonthenet.com/Tudors/protestant_catholic.htm.
Atwood makes many religious references through her novel. This quote is part of what rulers of Gilead use to support the Republic of Gilead and its rituals. Women are not allowed to read. This is sort of a blind faith to the listeners since they do not get to see it or read anything other than what is read to them. In the past, the bible was only printed in Latin; old Catholic preists took advantage of bible because people did not know what the text really said- only what was told to them. The Republic of Gilead does this once again; only the Commander is allowed to read passages of the bible to listeners before rituals; only Aunt Lydia is allowed to read commandments before executions. Furthermore, this restriction mirrors the media that is broadcasted to viewers in the Republic of Gilead. Viewers only get to see what the leaders want them to see. This ties back to Atwood’s theme of control throughout the novel.
“Tudors – Protestant or Catholic.” History on the Net Main Page. Web. 25 April 2010. http://www.historyonthenet.com/Tudors/protestant_catholic.htm.
Handmaid's Tale (pg. 210)
12. “The problem wasn’t only with the women, he says. The main problem was with the men. There was nothing for them anymore . . . I’m not talking about sex, he says. That was part of it, the sex was too easy…You know what they were complaining about the most? Inability to feel. Men were turning off on sex, even. They were turning off on marriage. Do they feel now? I say. Yes, he says, looking at me. They do.” (Page 210):
In this passage Atwood depicts the Commander attempting to justify the creation of Gilead. The Commander states that because women had become equal to men and because sex was so easily accessible that men had lost their meaning. His justification may seem noble to him, however, the price of men feeling important has cost the happiness and freedom of both men and women. Atwood expresses that true happiness comes from freedom not the importance of control.
In this passage Atwood depicts the Commander attempting to justify the creation of Gilead. The Commander states that because women had become equal to men and because sex was so easily accessible that men had lost their meaning. His justification may seem noble to him, however, the price of men feeling important has cost the happiness and freedom of both men and women. Atwood expresses that true happiness comes from freedom not the importance of control.
Handmaid's Tale (pg. 145- 146)
11. “He was not a monster, to her. Probably he had some endearing trait: he whistled, off-key, in the shower, he had a yen for truffles, he called his dog Liebchen and made it sit up for little pieces of raw steak. How easy it is to invent a humanity, for anyone at all. What an available temptation.” (Pages 145-146):
In this narrative Atwood contrasts the Commander to a Nazi concentration camp worker. Offred is the mistress of the Commander; the Nazi worker had a mistress as well. Offred is depicted remembering that the German mistress said that the Nazi worker was not evil. Offred struggles with her situation. Although the Commander is nice to her and provides her with entertainment, he is also the creator of her unhappiness and struggles. Atwood depicts Offred attempting to make the best of her situation and yet knowing that her excuses are illusions.
In this narrative Atwood contrasts the Commander to a Nazi concentration camp worker. Offred is the mistress of the Commander; the Nazi worker had a mistress as well. Offred is depicted remembering that the German mistress said that the Nazi worker was not evil. Offred struggles with her situation. Although the Commander is nice to her and provides her with entertainment, he is also the creator of her unhappiness and struggles. Atwood depicts Offred attempting to make the best of her situation and yet knowing that her excuses are illusions.
Handmaid's Tale (pg. 88)
10. “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth... that I may also have children by her.” (Page 88):
Atwood uses Christian beliefs as the fundamentals of her dystopian community. Those who control Gilead use the Bible to justify the torture, discrimination and killing. Atwood used the Bible because the Bible was written in a very dystopian era. Technology was not advanced. Women were discriminated against. Men had multiple wives. Jesus himself, the “savior” of the time, was killed for his beliefs. However, it is ironic that Atwood used the Bible to justify Gilead and their ways when the Bible was meant to serve as an inspiration for people and as a guide to living and because the development of the Christian religion shared similarities to the setting of The Handmaid’s Tale. People during the early days of Christianity were either prevented from reading the Bible or unable to read. People were unsure of its content but were told that they were sinners if they did not do as church leaders told them. Priests and church leaders were very controlling of what was represented to the public about the faith. So there is a connection between the development of Christianity and the development of Atwood’s story; the power of reading and control is similar. In terms of cultural context, there are similarities. In a way, the Catholic community was that of a totalitarian. Atwood uses the Bible in a negative way to justify the darkness of her dystopia.
Atwood uses Christian beliefs as the fundamentals of her dystopian community. Those who control Gilead use the Bible to justify the torture, discrimination and killing. Atwood used the Bible because the Bible was written in a very dystopian era. Technology was not advanced. Women were discriminated against. Men had multiple wives. Jesus himself, the “savior” of the time, was killed for his beliefs. However, it is ironic that Atwood used the Bible to justify Gilead and their ways when the Bible was meant to serve as an inspiration for people and as a guide to living and because the development of the Christian religion shared similarities to the setting of The Handmaid’s Tale. People during the early days of Christianity were either prevented from reading the Bible or unable to read. People were unsure of its content but were told that they were sinners if they did not do as church leaders told them. Priests and church leaders were very controlling of what was represented to the public about the faith. So there is a connection between the development of Christianity and the development of Atwood’s story; the power of reading and control is similar. In terms of cultural context, there are similarities. In a way, the Catholic community was that of a totalitarian. Atwood uses the Bible in a negative way to justify the darkness of her dystopia.
Handmaid's Tale (pg. 73)
9. “I used to think of my body as an instrument, of pleasure, or a means of transportation, or an implement for the accomplishment of my will . . . Now the flesh arranges itself differently. I’m a cloud, congealed around a central object, the shape of a pear, which is hard and more real than I am and glows red within its translucent wrapping.” (Pages 73-74):
In this passage Atwood contrasts the way Offred used to feel about her body to the way she now feels about her body. Atwood depicts Offred feeling as if her body is now an object; her body is controlled by others and told what to do. Her purpose is to get pregnant and reproduce.
In this passage Atwood contrasts the way Offred used to feel about her body to the way she now feels about her body. Atwood depicts Offred feeling as if her body is now an object; her body is controlled by others and told what to do. Her purpose is to get pregnant and reproduce.
Handmaid's Tale (pg. 66)
8. “I wait. I compose myself. My self is a thing I must now compose, as one composes a speech. What I must present is a made thing, not something born.” (Page 66):
In The Handmaid’s Tale, Atwood creates a dystopia in which women and people of different ethnicities are treated as sub-human. Women’s statuses are reduced to their ability of becoming pregnant. They are treated as nothing other than an organ used to produce a baby. Gilead aims to deprive women of individuality and make them bring in a new generation that will not know the past ways of freedom. Feminists are deprived of status and are called “unwomen”; babies with disabilities are called “unbabbies”; and blacks and Jews are given names from the Bible such as “Children of Ham” and “Sons of Jacob.”
In The Handmaid’s Tale, Atwood creates a dystopia in which women and people of different ethnicities are treated as sub-human. Women’s statuses are reduced to their ability of becoming pregnant. They are treated as nothing other than an organ used to produce a baby. Gilead aims to deprive women of individuality and make them bring in a new generation that will not know the past ways of freedom. Feminists are deprived of status and are called “unwomen”; babies with disabilities are called “unbabbies”; and blacks and Jews are given names from the Bible such as “Children of Ham” and “Sons of Jacob.”
Handmaid's Tale (pg. 39)
7. “I would like to believe this is a story I’m telling. I need to believe it. I must believe it. Those who can believe that such stories are only stories have a better chance. If it’s a story I’m telling, then I have control over the ending. Then there will be an ending, to the story, and real life will come after it. I can pick up where I left off.” (Page 39):
In Atwood’s novel, the Gilead culture denies women rights; women have no control for themselves the way they used to. Atwood depicts Offred as thinking of her situation as a story. It was Offred’s coping mechanism. That way, she can go through her life’s motions pretending that she has control of the ending. It helps her accept the horrible things that have happened to her.
In Atwood’s novel, the Gilead culture denies women rights; women have no control for themselves the way they used to. Atwood depicts Offred as thinking of her situation as a story. It was Offred’s coping mechanism. That way, she can go through her life’s motions pretending that she has control of the ending. It helps her accept the horrible things that have happened to her.
Handmaid's Tale (pg. 33)
6. “Ordinary, said Aunt Lydia, is what you are used to. This may not seem ordinary to you now, but after a time it will. It will become ordinary.” (Page 33):
Atwood depicts Offred as she looks at the white figures hanging by the red wall remembering these words spoken by Aunt Lydia. Atwood uses this quote to reflect the power and control of a totalitarian government. Offred remembers the old ways; however, she is told that she must learn the new ways. The new ways are controlled and violent but she is told that she must adapt and find these things to be normal. In order to do this, one must make themselves emotionally numb. Atwood depicts Offred’s struggle to adapt to this new system and consider torture and current practices normal or ordinary.
Atwood depicts Offred as she looks at the white figures hanging by the red wall remembering these words spoken by Aunt Lydia. Atwood uses this quote to reflect the power and control of a totalitarian government. Offred remembers the old ways; however, she is told that she must learn the new ways. The new ways are controlled and violent but she is told that she must adapt and find these things to be normal. In order to do this, one must make themselves emotionally numb. Atwood depicts Offred’s struggle to adapt to this new system and consider torture and current practices normal or ordinary.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Handmaid's Tale (pg. 9)
5. “She puts on her veil…but nobody much cares who sees the face of a Martha.” (Page 9)
The women who work in the households are called “the Marthas.” In the Bible, Martha was a woman who served Jesus; she was known for her hospitality. Since there are not very many woman referenced in the Bible, Martha does stand out as a female of the time. Atwood weaves Biblical references into the development of The Handmaid’s Tale. “Marthas” in the Handmaid’s Tale serve others. Marthas were women who were either unable to conceive or past the time in life when they could have children. They were not woman with any social rank. They were servers, but we are allowed to know their real names too. The Marthas are not threatening to the totalitarian state, and they have an accepted, assigned role in the culture.
“Martha.” Bible History Online. 20 April 2010.
The women who work in the households are called “the Marthas.” In the Bible, Martha was a woman who served Jesus; she was known for her hospitality. Since there are not very many woman referenced in the Bible, Martha does stand out as a female of the time. Atwood weaves Biblical references into the development of The Handmaid’s Tale. “Marthas” in the Handmaid’s Tale serve others. Marthas were women who were either unable to conceive or past the time in life when they could have children. They were not woman with any social rank. They were servers, but we are allowed to know their real names too. The Marthas are not threatening to the totalitarian state, and they have an accepted, assigned role in the culture.
“Martha.” Bible History Online. 20 April 2010.
Handmaid's Tale (pg. 9)
4. “At the bottom of the stairs there’s a hat-and-umbrella…black, for the Commander, blue, for the Commander’s wife, and the one assigned to me, which is red.” (Page 9)
Atwood again uses color to give her story context. The people’s stations are defined by color. Black is for those in control and who have power. Blue is used to define those with secure status. Red is used for the women who are of child bearing years. It’s interesting that she uses red for women like Offred because red is recognized in current times as a passionate color and a color of love (hearts, lipstick, ads in women’s magazines). However, women like Offred were being schooled not to be passionate or to allow love to cloud their duties so it becomes startling because the reader begins to associate red as symbolic of fertility which was their purpose.
Atwood again uses color to give her story context. The people’s stations are defined by color. Black is for those in control and who have power. Blue is used to define those with secure status. Red is used for the women who are of child bearing years. It’s interesting that she uses red for women like Offred because red is recognized in current times as a passionate color and a color of love (hearts, lipstick, ads in women’s magazines). However, women like Offred were being schooled not to be passionate or to allow love to cloud their duties so it becomes startling because the reader begins to associate red as symbolic of fertility which was their purpose.
Handmaid's Tale (pg. 8)
3. “I am alive, I live, I breathe, I put my hand out, unfolded, into the sunlight. Where I am is not a prison but a privilege….” (Page 8):
Offred is trying to come to terms with the life that has been assigned to her. She will keep her thoughts to herself, and she will recognize the blessings of her situation. She values her life even as she is frustrated by her situation. Atwood reveals Offred’s character with these words and show Offred to be a strong woman.
Offred is trying to come to terms with the life that has been assigned to her. She will keep her thoughts to herself, and she will recognize the blessings of her situation. She values her life even as she is frustrated by her situation. Atwood reveals Offred’s character with these words and show Offred to be a strong woman.
Handmaid's Tale (pg. 8)
2. “…their red shoes, flat-heeled to save the spine and not for dancing. The red gloves…wings around my face is red: the color of blood, which defines us.” (Page 8):
Atwood uses color in the book to define characters and to depict the totalitarian state. Women in Offred’s station wear red, and they cannot be mistaken. Later in the book we learn that Offred’s daughter is now being dressed in white. The reader is able to discern that children will grow up without any reference for a different life; they will most likely accept what is presented to them as being normal and real. Offred has a memory of what life used to be like, and she can also remember being able to make her own decisions about clothing.
Atwood uses color in the book to define characters and to depict the totalitarian state. Women in Offred’s station wear red, and they cannot be mistaken. Later in the book we learn that Offred’s daughter is now being dressed in white. The reader is able to discern that children will grow up without any reference for a different life; they will most likely accept what is presented to them as being normal and real. Offred has a memory of what life used to be like, and she can also remember being able to make her own decisions about clothing.
Handmaid's Tale (pg. 4)
1. “In this way we exchanged names, from bed to bed: Alma. Janine. Delores. Moira. June.” (Page 4):
This quote is taken from the first section of The Handmaid’s Tale. The first section serves as a foreshadow to the main themes of the novel. The first section deals with darkness, control and fear. This line also foreshadows the storyline that the novel will follow. The names listed are characters throughout the novel that Offred knows and suffers with. With these lines, Atwood is able to provide the reader with a sense of what the women experience at being required to behave in a certain manner and the little victories that they feel when they are able to communicate their true names in secret. Handmaid’s Tale depicts the struggles Offred goes through in addition to these young women.
This quote is taken from the first section of The Handmaid’s Tale. The first section serves as a foreshadow to the main themes of the novel. The first section deals with darkness, control and fear. This line also foreshadows the storyline that the novel will follow. The names listed are characters throughout the novel that Offred knows and suffers with. With these lines, Atwood is able to provide the reader with a sense of what the women experience at being required to behave in a certain manner and the little victories that they feel when they are able to communicate their true names in secret. Handmaid’s Tale depicts the struggles Offred goes through in addition to these young women.
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